noun
- a fleshy, unjointed appendage on the abdomen of certain insect larvae, especially caterpillars, used for locomotion
Usage: biology; entomology
Examples
- The caterpillar used its prolegs to grip the branch as it moved forward.
- Each proleg has tiny hooks that help the larva cling to surfaces.
- Unlike true legs, prolegs are soft and lack joints.
- The moth larva’s prolegs disappeared when it pupated.
- Scientists counted six pairs of prolegs on the specimen.
- The prolegs contract and extend in a wave-like motion during crawling.